Building Briefs – February 7th

  • Hard Rock Scaffolding takes over industrial unit in Rosyth

Family-run business Hard Rock Scaffolding has taken a five year lease on Unit 4D Barham Road at Forties Commercial Campus in Rosyth.

The 3,163 sq ft property comprises a mid-terrace steel portal frame warehouse.



Finlay Miller of Ryden, who acted on behalf of M7 Real Estate on the deal, said: “The recent letting to Hard Rock Scaffolding highlights Rosyth and the nearby area as an excellent choice for suitable industrial space.”

 

  • Facelift planned for Glasgow office block

A Glasgow city centre office block is due to get a modern facelift.



Empire House, on the corner of West Nile Street and Sauchiehall Street, will be brought up to date through an external and internal refurbishment.

Among the changes proposed include a new entrance and refurbished lobby and the removal of the current steel canopy.

 

  • Cairn’s Care & Repair service gains quality recognition

Cairn Housing Association’s Care & Repair Service has been awarded with a Scottish Quality Mark by Care & Repair Scotland.



The Quality Mark accreditation recognises the skills, knowledge and effectiveness of Cairn’s Care & Repair Service, which has benefited thousands of people in the Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch & Strathspey areas.

Building Briefs – February 7th

Cairn’s Care & Repair services aim to help older people or those living with disabilities to continue to live in the safety and comfort of their own homes. The Care & Repair team provide assistance with applying for local authority adaptation and repairs grants, and arrange essential works including installation of level access showers, stair lifts, ramps, grab rails, small repairs and the installation of Telecare equipment.

 



  • ESPC: Continued increase in properties coming to market while flat prices in New Town and West End soar

November 2018 to January 2019 saw a 21.6% increase year-on-year in the number of homes coming to market – this is slightly less pronounced than the annual increase in the fourth quarter of 2018 of 23.9%, but still indicates seller confidence in the current market conditions.

The increase in the number of homes coming to market in recent months has had a positive effect on sales volume, which has increased by 11.9% year-on-year.

From November 2018 to January 2019, the average selling price in east central Scotland rose to £239,709, which was a 3.6% increase compared to the same period last year.



This is a less pronounced increase than we have seen in previous months – in ESPC’s December and November House Price Reports, the annual increase in average selling prices in east central Scotland was 4.4% and 5.3% respectively.

Homes in east central Scotland are continuing to achieve relatively short selling times. Between November 2018 and January 2019, the median selling time in east central Scotland was 23 days – however, this was three days slower than the same three months last year.

In east central Scotland, between November 2018 and January 2019, the average percentage of Home Report valuation achieved was 102.7%, which was a 0.8% decrease on the same period last year. During this three month period, 23.4% of sales went to a closing date compared to 28% of sales last year.

The slightly longer selling times, marginal decrease in percentage of Home Report valuation achieved and decrease in number of sales going to a closing date could suggest positive news for buyers, as they now have a greater volume of homes to choose from. However, the fact that these changes are relatively small, coupled with continued year-on-year increases in average selling prices, also shows that buyer demand remains relatively strong.



Within Edinburgh, between November 2018 and January 2019, the average selling price rose by 5.1% to £262,911 compared to £250,103 last year. Two bedroom flats in New Town and the West End rose to £432,990, which was a 21.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The average selling prices of three bedroom houses in Corstorphine, Clermiston, South Gyle and East Craigs rose by 15.7% to £339,228, and in South Queensferry and Dalmeny, the average selling price of three bedroom houses rose by 15.5% to £206,267. 

However, from November 2018 to January 2019 three bedroom houses in Liberton and Gilmerton saw a 17.3% decrease in average selling prices compared to last year, dropping to £222,545.

 

  • ESD launches second phase of Great Glen Way water work

Efficient Service Delivery (ESD) has launched the second phase of Scottish Water’s Great Glen Way water work project.



The £21 million scheme between Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston involves the installation of a five-mile water main, two miles of which was completed in the first phase.

The second phase of planned closures affecting the normal route of the Great Glen Way is now beginning, with signposted alternatives in place and a shuttle vehicle operating between Allt na Criche and Fort Augustus.

 

  • Upgrades to commence on East Lothian Council building

A series of upgrade and improvement works are to take place at East Lothian Council’s John Muir House building.



The existing main council reception, on Brewery Park, Haddington, will become the building’s ‘Single Point of Contact’ (SPOC), featuring a new look and layout with additional space for staff.

Plans are also being made to relocate Haddington Police Station to the former Sheriff Court building in 2020.

Work on the SPOC is due to begin in late February.

 

  • North Isles Landscape Partnership team strengthens

The £4.5 million North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme (NILPS) team has been strengthened with three new appointments.

NILPS will support projects to promote the culture, heritage and landscape of the North Isles and will run until 2023.

It will work to support Orkney’s North Isles through the delivery of a number of projects that includes traditional skills training, educational programmes, wildlife recording and enhancement of isles heritage centres amongst others.

Small Heritage Grants of up to £2,000 will be available first to contribute to the objectives of the NILPS programme.

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